This hike is a tale of when to know when to turn back. I turned around twice during this hike, once after a close call and a second time later in the day. There is no shame in knowing your own limits. When conditions make for a dangerous situation it is always better to turn around. These mountains aren’t moving so there will always be another chance to tackle those summits.
The Route
I didn’t end up taking my originally planned route but there will be more on that later. I did however to get to take in some amazing views from of the smaller summits in the range.
Aber Falls
An absolutely stunning waterfall and since this was still quite early in the morning I got the place all to myself.
A close call
The path I had planned out for the day lead up towards the top of the water. It’s not a steep path although it is very close to a quick drop to the west.
At the top of the path I encountered a small waterfall. It was icy water flowing rather quickly over a rocky portion of the trail. There was ice and moss hidden below the flowing water. I spent a little bit of time debating whether I should turn back straight away or try and pass. It was only a few meters of the trail. You can see the spot in the last photo, the smaller waterfall to the left.
So I went for it, I got half way through and slipped. I managed to wedge myself in the rocks then I realised there were few options to place my feet in either direction. The icy water now flowing down my back with a sudden drop less than a foot away. I even debated as to whether it would be my first call out to Mountain Rescue. I was stuck. After what felt like a lifetime but was probably only a few minutes, with my bottom truly soaked tried to very slowly make my way back to the path.
Now looking back I should never have tried this. I should have turned right back as soon as I questioned the safety of going on. I understand that on a summer day this path is quite easy to get by. However in the middle of winter, after a night of heavy rain causing a stronger flow to the waterfalls, this is not the best of routes to get up to the summit of Foel Fras from the north.
Beautiful views of the snowy Carneddau
I made my way back down the path, but my day of hiking wasn’t done yet. Not even close. So I went back past the base of the waterfall, which was now getting a little busier and headed off on a different path up.
It was a bit more boggy, it wasn’t a clear path through the grassy hills and I soon realised that it was a steeper path than I had initially released. Making sure that I was on the correct side of the stream early on made this route up much easier. I could see marked paths on the other side, suddenly stopping without many suitable options for getting through.
So I headed first towards the summit of Y Drosgl where the views of the snowy mountain range beyond became clear. And wow, they were stunning!
With Yr Elen and and Yr Foel Grach perfectly framing the second highest point in Wales Carnedd Llewelyn.
Bera Bach and turning back
Reaching the rocky summit of Bera Bach and sitting with a brew to take in the view I considered which direction this hike was going to take. I could see Foel Fras although with it being covered in snow I was unable to really see what the ground beneath my foot would be like. I also did not know what was on the other side of the summit.
So with my still wet bum from sitting in a waterfall earlier, for the second time that day I decided it was best to turn around. I didn’t hate straight back and decided to take on some of the smaller summits of Gyrn and Moel Wnion. Before following a rather relaxing path back to the car.
Passing Aber Falls for the third time that day, which by this point it was truly rammed with people getting photos of the amazing waterfall. I got quite a move on as I headed back down the path to the car park.
So I ticked off some Nuttalls on this hike but I never made it to the summit of Foel Fras the most northern of the Welsh 3000s which was my aim. It just means that I’ll have to head back to this beautiful range and maybe try a different route up the mountain.
I learned a lot from this hike though, the main being once you question the path you should probably find an alternative route. Once those nerves kicked in I was not in the best position to tackle a risky trail.
Still I am lucky and I live to hike another day!!